American Airlines to restart 737 MAX flights in December

American Airlines says it plans to begin flying the Boeing 737 MAX again in December, assuming the Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) allows the plan to resume service, the carrier confirmed on Monday.

Boeing's best-selling jet is undergoing a lengthy recertification process with regulators worldwide following two deadly crashes in Ethiopia and Indonesia that killed 346 people and led to it being pulled from service worldwide early last year.

Pending FAA approval, the US carrier said it plans to run one flight a day on the MAX between New York and Miami from December 29 through January 4.

"Our Boeing 737 MAX return to service plans remain highly dependent on the FAA's recertification process," the airline said in a statement.

Tickets for these flights will be available for booking from October 24, and customers will be notified that they will be flying on a 737 MAX.

Several steps remain before the FAA cancels the grounding order on the jet, and airlines will then have to implement a training program for their pilots before the MAX can return to service.

In early October, the FAA published its proposed pilot training protocols for the MAX, and is accepting public comment through November 2, but the agency has not released a timetable for further action.

The head of the European Aviation Safety Agency Patrick Ky said last week the body could officially approve the MAX's return to service before the end of the year.

© 2020 AFP